Mechanical vacuum portable gauging refers to the use of mechanical devices or instruments to measure the pressure or vacuum level in a closed system. These gauges are typically portable, meaning they can be easily moved and used in various locations.
Mechanical vacuum gauges work based on different principles depending on the specific type of gauge. Here are a few commonly used mechanical vacuum gauges:
- Bourdon Tube Gauge: This gauge uses a curved tube that straightens or bends based on the pressure difference between the vacuum and the reference pressure. The movement of the tube is then translated into a pressure reading on a calibrated scale.
- Pirani Gauge: A Pirani gauge measures pressure based on the thermal conductivity of the gas. It typically consists of a heated wire exposed to the vacuum environment. The cooling effect of the gas on the wire changes its resistance, which is correlated to the pressure level.
- McLeod Gauge: McLeod gauges measure pressure by compressing a known volume of gas into a graduated glass tube. The pressure is determined by measuring the change in volume of the gas when compared to the reference volume.
- Penning Gauge: Penning gauges utilize the ionization of gas molecules by high-energy electrons in a low-pressure environment. The resulting ion current is measured and used to determine the pressure level.
Portable mechanical vacuum gauges are commonly used in applications such as vacuum systems, HVAC maintenance, leak detection, and vacuum packaging. They offer the advantage of being simple to operate, robust, and relatively cost-effective compared to more advanced electronic vacuum gauges.
It’s worth noting that while mechanical vacuum gauges have their benefits, they may have limitations in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and measurement range compared to electronic gauges. The selection of the appropriate gauge depends on the specific requirements of the application, the desired level of accuracy, and the range of pressures to be measured.